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Characteristics of a corporation (‘AG’) |
Characteristics of a limited liability company ‘GmbH’ |
| Company name |
Company name must end with the word AG or SA. |
Company name must end with the word GmbH. |
Equity capital
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The minimum share capital required is CHF 100 000, 50% should be paid before incorporation.
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CHF 20 000, paid in. Max. CHF 2 million. |
Shareholders
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The corporation is founded by one shareholder, physical or legal person.
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One founding member is required, physical or legal person. |
Shares
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With name, bearer. |
With name.
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Directors
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The board of directors should have one member - resident of Switzerland. No secretary needed.
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The founders can themselves act as the corporate bodies (i.e. no board of directors is required).
At least one partner must be resident in Switzerland. |
Registered office
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Required |
Required |
Registered agent
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Not required
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Not required |
Secretary
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Not required |
Not required |
Auditing
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Only for companies with a turnover more than 50 000 000 CHF. |
Optional |
Accounting
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Yes, to maintain proper books of accounts and to retain the accounting records and associated documents generally for 10 years.
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Yes, to maintain proper books of accounts and to retain the accounting records and associated documents generally for 10 years. |
Formalities
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Moderate |
Moderate |
| Anonymity |
Yes |
Yes, if the additional requirements are noted |
